Question
Why is dioxygen a gas but sulphur a solid?
Solution
Oxygen is smaller in size and thus due to its small size complete its octet by forming p = p bond. Therefore, O2 is a discrte molecule and the intermolecular forces of attraction are weak vander waals forces. Hence, O2 is a gas. While sulphur is large in size, cannot form p = p bonds. Therefore, in order to gain stability, it exists as S8 which is a solid.
